U.S. patent application number 12/094416 was filed with the patent office on 2008-11-27 for hydraulic tensioner with a band type check valve.
This patent application is currently assigned to BORGWARNER INC.. Invention is credited to Mark M. Wigsten.
Application Number | 20080293526 12/094416 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 38578447 |
Filed Date | 2008-11-27 |
United States Patent
Application |
20080293526 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Wigsten; Mark M. |
November 27, 2008 |
Hydraulic Tensioner with a Band Type Check Valve
Abstract
A hydraulic tensioner is described. The hydraulic tensioner
hasincludes an inlet portion which defines a pressurized fluid
inlet. The hydraulic tensioner also hasincludes a housing defining
a chamber which is coupled to the inlet portion. A band check valve
separates the pressurized fluid inlet from the chamber, and a
piston slideably engages the housing. An automobile having a
driving shaft and a driven shaft may include such a hydraulic
tensioner. A method of manufacturing athe hydraulic tensioner is
also disclosed.
Inventors: |
Wigsten; Mark M.; (Lansing,
NY) |
Correspondence
Address: |
BORGWARNER INC.;c/o Brown & Michaels, PC
400 M&T Bank Building, 118 N. Tioga Street
Ithaca
NY
14850
US
|
Assignee: |
BORGWARNER INC.
Auburn Hills
MI
|
Family ID: |
38578447 |
Appl. No.: |
12/094416 |
Filed: |
December 6, 2006 |
PCT Filed: |
December 6, 2006 |
PCT NO: |
PCT/US06/61662 |
371 Date: |
May 21, 2008 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
|
|
|
|
|
|
Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
60749832 |
Dec 13, 2005 |
|
|
|
Current U.S.
Class: |
474/110 ;
29/890.12 |
Current CPC
Class: |
F16H 2007/0891 20130101;
F16H 2007/0812 20130101; Y10T 29/49405 20150115; F16H 2007/0806
20130101; F16K 15/145 20130101; F16H 2007/0859 20130101; F16H
7/0848 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
474/110 ;
29/890.12 |
International
Class: |
F16H 7/08 20060101
F16H007/08; B21D 51/16 20060101 B21D051/16 |
Claims
1. A hydraulic tensioner, comprising: an inlet portion which
defines a pressurized fluid inlet; a housing defining a chamber
which is coupled to the inlet portion; a band check valve
separating the pressurized fluid inlet from the chamber; and a
piston slideably engaging the housing.
2. The hydraulic tensioner of claim 1, wherein the inlet portion is
integral to the housing.
3. The hydraulic tensioner of claim 1, wherein the band check valve
is sprung in an outward direction.
4. The hydraulic tensioner of claim 1, wherein the band check valve
is sprung in an inward direction.
5. The hydraulic tensioner of claim 1, wherein the piston slideably
engages an outside surface of the housing.
6. The hydraulic tensioner of claim 1, wherein the piston slideably
engages an inside surface of the housing.
7. The hydraulic tensioner of claim 1, wherein the inlet portion
further comprises a band valve guide area sized to receive the band
check valve; and defines an exit hole within the band valve guide
area coupled to the pressurized fluid inlet.
8. The hydraulic tensioner of claim 7, wherein the band check valve
wraps 360 degrees or greater around the band valve guide area of
the inlet portion.
9. The hydraulic tensioner of claim 7, wherein the band check valve
wraps less than 360 degrees around the band valve guide area of the
inlet portion.
10. The hydraulic tensioner of claim 7, wherein the band check
valve is welded to the band valve guide area of the inlet portion
at least one point.
11. The hydraulic tensioner of claim 7, wherein the band valve
guide area further comprises a flattened area away from the exit
hole; and the band check valve further comprises a flat section
coupled to the flattened area of the band valve guide area.
12. The hydraulic tensioner of claim 7, wherein the band check
valve comprises a tab coupled to a hole in the band valve guide
area of the inlet portion.
13. The hydraulic tensioner of claim 7, wherein the band check
valve comprises a bent portion coupled to a hole in the band valve
guide area of the inlet portion.
14. The hydraulic tensioner of claim 7, wherein the band valve
guide area of the inlet portion further comprises at least one
groove positioned to be at least partially behind the band check
valve.
15. The hydraulic tensioner of claim 7, wherein the band valve
guide area further comprises a surface selected from the group
consisting of a roughened surface; a scratched surface; and a
textured surface.
16. The hydraulic tensioner of claim 1, further comprising a spring
biasing the piston away from the housing.
17. The hydraulic tensioner of claim 1, wherein the band check
valve is annular.
18. A method of manufacturing a hydraulic tensioner, comprising the
steps of: drilling a chamber in a housing; drilling a hydraulic
fluid inlet in an inlet portion of the hydraulic tensioner; forming
a band valve guide area on the inlet portion; drilling an exit hole
through the band valve guide area to be in communication with the
hydraulic fluid inlet; and coupling a band check valve to the band
valve guide area such that the band check valve covers the exit
hole and acts as a check valve between the hydraulic fluid inlet
and the chamber.
19. The method of claim 18, wherein the inlet portion is a separate
part from the housing.
20. The method of claim 19, wherein the step of forming a band
valve guide area on the inlet portion comprises the substep of
turning an area of the inlet portion.
21. The method of claim 19, further comprising the step of coupling
the inlet portion to the housing.
22. The method of claim 19, wherein the inlet portion is integral
to the housing.
23. The method of claim 22, wherein the step of forming a band
valve guide area on the inlet portion comprises the substep of
machining an area inside the chamber.
24. The method of claim 18, wherein drilling the chamber in the
housing comprises the substeps of: drilling through an entire axial
length of the housing; and plugging one end of the chamber.
25. The method of claim 18, further comprising the step of forming
at least one groove in the band valve guide area.
26. The method of claim 18, wherein the step of coupling the band
check valve to the band valve guide area comprises at least one
substep selected from the group consisting of: a) snapping a 360
degree or greater circular band check valve around the band valve
guide area; b) welding at least one portion of the band check valve
to the band valve guide area; c) forming a flat area on the band
valve guide area, forming a corresponding flat area on the band
check valve, and snapping the band check valve on the band valve
guide area such that both flat areas are aligned; d) forming an
extra hole on the band valve guide area, forming a tab on the band
check valve, and snapping the band check valve around the band
valve guide area such that the tab engages the extra hole; and e)
forming an extra hole on the band valve guide area, forming a bend
in the band check valve, and snapping the band check valve around
the band valve guide area such that the bend in the band check
valve engages the extra hole.
27. The method of claim 26, wherein the steps in substep (d) occurs
at the same time as the step of drilling the exit hole through the
band valve guide area.
28. The method of claim 18, further comprising the step of placing
a spring between the housing and a piston.
29. A hydraulic tensioner, comprising: an inlet portion having an
interior and an exterior, and comprising a pressurized fluid inlet
on the interior, a band valve guide area with at least one groove
on the exterior, and an exit hole between the band valve guide area
and the pressurized fluid inlet; a band check valve sprung to
restrict its diameter coupled to the band valve guide area of the
inlet portion exterior such that the band check valve covers the
exit hole; a housing defining a chamber in an axial direction which
is open to a first end of the housing, an inlet coupling hole in a
radial direction which is coupled to the chamber and is sized to
receive the inlet portion such that the band check valve separates
the pressurized fluid inlet from the chamber and such that the band
check valve may be flexed outward by hydraulic pressure to allow
fluid from the pressurized fluid inlet to enter the chamber; a
piston slideably engaging the housing and hydraulically coupled to
the chamber; and a spring biasing the piston away from the housing.
Description
REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] This application claims an invention which was disclosed in
Provisional Application No. 60/749,832, filed Dec. 13, 2005,
entitled "HYDRAULIC TENSIONER WITH A BAND TYPE CHECK VALVE". The
benefit under 35 USC .sctn. 119(e) of the United States provisional
application is hereby claimed, and the aforementioned application
is hereby incorporated herein by reference.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0002] 1. Field of the Invention
[0003] The invention pertains to the field of hydraulic tensioners.
More particularly, the invention pertains to a hydraulic tensioner
with a band type check valve.
[0004] 2. Description of Related Art
[0005] In automobiles, hydraulic tensioners may be applied to a
timing system or an auxiliary drive (e.g. oil pump) system. A
hydraulic tensioner generally includes a housing, a piston
slideably engaging the housing biased in a protruding direction by
a spring, and a fluid chamber defined by the piston and the
housing. During operation of the tensioner, external force from a
chain or belt is imparted on the distal end of the piston. The
force on the distal end is balanced by the tensioner spring load
and hydraulic pressure in the chamber. Over time, the volume of the
chamber may increase as the piston slides away from the housing,
creating a need for more hydraulic fluid to fill the chamber.
Hydraulic fluid may also need to be replenished in the chamber as
fluid leaks out of the chamber.
[0006] There is a need in the art for a hydraulic tensioner with a
low-cost check valve to facilitate replenishing the hydraulic fluid
within the chamber, which is also simple to manufacture and
reliable.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0007] A hydraulic tensioner includes an inlet portion which
defines a pressurized fluid inlet, a housing defining a chamber
which is coupled to the inlet portion, a band check valve (also
known as a band valve or a band type check valve) separating the
pressurized fluid inlet from the chamber, and a piston slideably
engaging the housing.
[0008] A method of manufacturing the hydraulic tensioner is also
described. In this method, a chamber is drilled in a housing and a
hydraulic fluid inlet is drilled in an inlet portion. A band valve
guide area is formed on the inlet portion. An exit hole is drilled
through the band valve guide area to be in communication with the
hydraulic fluid inlet and the band check valve is coupled to the
band valve guide area such that the band check valve covers the
exit hole and acts as a check valve between the hydraulic fluid
inlet and the chamber.
[0009] A hydraulic tensioner in another embodiment includes an
inlet portion having an interior and an exterior, the inlet portion
defining a pressurized fluid inlet on the interior, a band valve
guide area with at least one groove on the exterior, and an exit
hole between the band valve guide area and the pressurized fluid
inlet. The hydraulic tensioner also includes a band check valve
sprung to restrict its diameter coupled to the band valve guide
area of the inlet portion exterior such that the band check valve
covers the exit hole. The hydraulic tensioner also includes a
housing defining a chamber in an axial direction which is open to a
first end of the housing, an inlet coupling hole in a radial
direction which is coupled to the chamber and is sized to receive
the inlet portion such that the band check valve separates the
pressurized fluid inlet from the chamber and such that the band
check valve may be flexed outward by hydraulic pressure to allow
fluid from the pressurized fluid inlet to enter the chamber. The
hydraulic tensioner further includes a piston slideably engaging
the housing and hydraulically coupled to the chamber, and a spring
biasing the piston away from the housing.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0010] FIG. 1 illustrates a hydraulic tensioner providing tension
to a timing chain in an embodiment of the present invention.
[0011] FIG. 2 illustrates an exploded view of a hydraulic tensioner
having a band-type check valve in an embodiment of the present
invention.
[0012] FIG. 3 illustrates the hydraulic tensioner of FIG. 2
assembled and in cross-section.
[0013] FIG. 4 illustrates a cross-section of a hydraulic tensioner
in another embodiment of the present invention.
[0014] FIG. 5 partially illustrates the hydraulic tensioner of FIG.
4.
[0015] FIG. 6 illustrates a cross-section of FIG. 4 along lines 6-6
of FIG. 5.
[0016] FIG. 7 illustrates a cross-section of a hydraulic tensioner
in yet another embodiment of the present invention.
[0017] FIG. 8A illustrates a band check valve in an embodiment of
the present invention.
[0018] FIG. 8B illustrates a band check valve in another embodiment
of the present invention.
[0019] FIG. 8C illustrates a band check valve in yet another
embodiment of the present invention.
[0020] FIG. 8D illustrates a band check valve in another embodiment
of the present invention.
[0021] FIG. 8E illustrates a band check valve in another embodiment
of the present invention.
[0022] FIG. 9 partially illustrates a hydraulic tensioner where the
band check valve curls inward in an embodiment of the present
invention.
[0023] FIG. 10 partially illustrates a hydraulic tensioner where
the band check valves curls outward in an embodiment of the present
invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0024] FIG. 1 schematically illustrates a hydraulic tensioner 22. A
hydraulic tensioner 22 provides tension to a timing chain 24, which
couples a driving shaft 26 to a driven shaft 28 via sprockets 30,
32. Although a chain and sprocket system is shown in this figure,
hydraulic tensioners may alternatively be used with a pulley and
belt system. Similarly, additional shafts may be coupled to the
driving and driven shafts 26, 28 by the belt or chain 24. For
simplicity, only two shafts are shown in this figure. The hydraulic
tensioner 22 has an inlet portion 34 which is coupled to
pressurized hydraulic fluid 36, such as pressurized engine oil. The
hydraulic tensioner 22 also includes a housing 38 which is coupled
to the inlet portion 34. The inlet portion 34 may be a separate
part from the housing 38, or it may be integral to the housing 38.
A piston 40 slideably engages the housing 38, and may be biased
away from the housing 38 by hydraulic pressure within the housing
38 as well as a mechanical spring force provided by a spring 42.
Spring 42 is coupled between housing 38 and the piston 40 and is
chosen to push these two elements apart. A tensioner shoe or
tensioner guide 44 may be coupled to the piston 40 to provide an
interface between the hydraulic tensioner 22 and the timing chain
24.
[0025] FIG. 2 illustrates an exploded view of a hydraulic tensioner
22 in an embodiment of the present invention. The inlet portion 34
in this embodiment includes a band valve guide area 46 which has
been turned or formed to have a smaller diameter than the diameter
of the inlet portion 34. Inlet portion 34 also defines an inlet 48
which may be coupled to the pressurized hydraulic fluid (not shown
in this view). The inlet 48 runs through the interior of the inlet
portion 34 at least as far as the band valve guide area 46. At
least one inlet exit hole 50 is formed in the band valve guide area
46, the inlet exit hole 50 being coupled to the inlet 48. In this
embodiment, the inlet portion 34 is separate from the housing 38,
but in others, the inlet portion 34 could be integral to the
housing 38. In one embodiment, seals 41 (see FIG. 3), such as
o-rings, are located between the inlet portion 34 and the housing
38. A band style check valve 52 may be installed over the band
valve guide area 46 to cover the inlet exit hole 50. In a preferred
embodiment, the band check valve 52 is annular. In the embodiment
shown in FIG. 2, the band check valve 52 is illustrated as
encircling less than 360 degrees of the band valve guide area 46,
but in other embodiments band check valves covering 360 degrees or
more may be desirable. Example embodiments of band check valves and
their attachment to the band valve guide area 46 of the inlet
portion 34 will be discussed in further detail with regard to FIGS.
5 and 8A-8E. The band check valve 52 is positioned and/or sized to
cover the inlet exit hole 50. The band check valve 52 in this
embodiment is sprung in an inwards direction to be biased against
the band valve guide area 46 of the inlet portion 34.
[0026] After the band check valve 52 has been attached to the inlet
portion 34, the inlet portion 34 may be inserted into an inlet
coupling hole 54 defined by the housing 38. The inlet portion 34
may be coupled to the housing 38 by a snap ring or a retaining clip
(not shown). Alternatively, the inlet portion 34 may be threaded,
passed through the housing 38, and attached in place with a
fastener, such as a nut. Another method of attaching the inlet
portion 34 to the housing 38 is pressing the inlet portion 34 into
place. Other methods of attaching the inlet portion 34 to the
housing 38 will be obvious to those skilled in the art, including
embodiments where the inlet portion 34 is integral to the housing
38. The housing 38 also defines a chamber 56 which passes axially
through the housing 38 at least as far as the inlet coupling hole
54. In this embodiment, a piston 40 may be slideably engaged on the
outside of the chamber 56 end of the housing 38. A spring 42 is
installed between the piston 40 and the housing 38. When the
hydraulic pressure in the inlet 48 exceeds the hydraulic pressure
in the chamber 56 plus the spring force of the band check valve 52,
the band check valve 52 moves away from the inlet exit hole 50,
allowing pressurized hydraulic fluid to fill the chamber 56. As
pressure in the chamber 56 increases, the band check valve 52
returns to a sealing position where the inlet exit hole 50 is
covered and not in fluid communication with the chamber 56.
[0027] FIGS. 3-7 illustrate different embodiments of hydraulic
tensioners with a band type check valve. FIG. 3 illustrates the
hydraulic tensioner 22 shown in FIGS. 1-2 assembled and in
cross-section. This view is useful for seeing the fluid paths
within the hydraulic tensioner 22, as well as for discussing some
of the manufacturing techniques and advantages involved with
producing a hydraulic tensioner with a band type check valve. A
drill bit may be used to bore the inlet hole 48 into the inlet
portion 34. The inlet portion 34 may be sized so that a tapered
portion 58 of the inlet hole 48, from the tip of a drill bit, may
extend into the inlet portion 34 without interfering with the inlet
exit hole 50. The inlet exit hole 50 may be bored all the way
through the inlet portion 34, since the band check valve 52 may be
sized to cover both ends of the exit hole 50. Although exit hole 50
is illustrated as being perpendicular to the inlet 48, in other
embodiments, the exit hole 50 may be non-perpendicular, provided
the exit hole 50 still falls within the band valve guide area 46 of
the inlet portion 34. Similarly, the chamber hole 56 may be bored
into the housing 38 with a drill bit. The housing 38 may be sized
so that a tapered portion 60 of the chamber 56, from the tip of a
drill bit, may extend into the housing 38 without interfering with
the inlet coupling hole 54.
[0028] Pressurized fluid (not shown in this view) starts in the
inlet 48 and may pass through the inlet exit hole 50 and the band
check valve 52 into the chamber 56 as described above. The
hydraulic pressure within the chamber 56, coupled with the spring
force provided by the spring 42 biases the piston 40 away from the
housing 38 (In the negative X-axis direction in this view). It
should be noted that, for simplicity, the illustrated clearances
between the parts in the figures of this specification have been
expanded so that the individual parts may be seen.
[0029] FIG. 4 illustrates another embodiment of a hydraulic
tensioner 122 in cross-section. This embodiment is similar to the
embodiment of FIG. 3 insofar as the operation and construction of
the inlet portion 134, the band check valve 152, and the chamber
156. The piston 162 in this embodiment, however, is different. In
this embodiment, the piston 162 is slideably engaged with the
housing 138 on the interior of the housing 138, and the spring 142
is consequently located within the chamber 156. The chamber 156 may
be provided with a lip 143 in this embodiment to keep the spring
142 from contacting the band check valve. This embodiment offers a
more simple piston 162, which may just be a rod cut to length,
rather than the more complex piston of FIG. 3. Both the embodiments
of FIGS. 3 and 4 benefit from the simple manufacturing process made
possible by the integration of a band type check valve 152.
[0030] FIG. 5 partially illustrates the hydraulic tensioner 122
shown in FIG. 4. The housing and the piston have been removed in
this view, leaving only the inlet portion 134 and band check valve
152 assembly described above. A cross section along lines 6-6 of
FIG. 5 is shown in FIG. 6. FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view of the
hydraulic tensioner 122 in FIG. 4, rotated back so that the
positive Y-axis is pointing up. This view in FIG. 6 illustrates the
band check valve 152 as it pertains to the inlet exit hole 150. In
the embodiment of FIG. 6, the band check valve 152 wraps more than
360 degrees around the band valve guide area 146 where the exit
hole 150 is located.
[0031] FIG. 7 illustrates a further embodiment of a hydraulic
tensioner 222 in cross-section. This embodiment is similar to the
embodiment of FIG. 4, but the housing defines a well area 264
around part of the piston 262 where it exits the housing 238. A
natural leak path is present between the housing 238 and the piston
262. The addition of well area 264 allows the capture of leakage
oil from the hydraulic tensioner 222, thereby helping to prevent
air from entering the tensioner when the internal tensioner
pressure is lower than the surrounding pressure. This may occur
when the piston is rapidly extending. The well area 264 may be
formed by using a larger drill bit on the piston end of the housing
238. The embodiment of FIG. 7 also illustrates an alternative
manufacturing technique which may be used to make the chamber 256
within the housing 238. In previous embodiments, the chamber 56,
156 is shown as being drilled into one end of the housing 38, 138
while not exiting the other end of the housing 38, 138. In this
embodiment, the chamber hole 256 is drilled all the way through the
housing 238. A plug 266, such as a ball bearing, may be press-fit
into the end of the chamber 256 opposite the piston 262 to seal the
chamber 256. This may offer manufacturing advantages in situations
where it is quicker and/or less expensive to cut pieces of
pre-drilled housing and plug them versus having to precision drill
one side of the chamber while not exiting the other side.
[0032] For simplicity, the band check valve 52 and inlet portion 34
are schematically illustrated by themselves in FIGS. 8A-8E. The
band check valves shown in FIGS. 8A-8E may be used in any of the
embodiments of the hydraulic tensioners discussed herein. FIG. 8A
illustrates an embodiment of a band check valve 52A which wraps
more than 360 degrees around the band valve guide area 46 where the
exit hole 50 is located. With a greater-than-360-degree band check
valve 52A, the orientation of the band check valve 52A is not
important. In fact, this type of band check valve 52A may rotate
during operation without affecting its operation.
[0033] FIG. 8B illustrates an embodiment of a band check valve 52B
which is coupled to the band valve guide area 46 of the inlet
portion 34 by a solder or weld 68. Since the orientation of welded
band check valve 52B is fixed, a band check valve of 360 degrees or
less may be used.
[0034] FIG. 8C illustrates an embodiment of a band check valve 52C
which makes use of a slightly different band valve guide area 46 on
the inlet portion 34 than has been described to this point. In this
embodiment, a flat portion 70 may be milled or formed onto the band
valve guide area 46 of the inlet portion 34. A band check valve 52C
of less than 360 degrees may be formed to have a flat side which
corresponds to the flat portion 70. While this embodiment adds
additional steps to the manufacture of the band valve guide area
46, it may offer advantages for easier installation of the check
valve than the embodiments shown in FIGS. 8A-8B, since the band
check valve 52C may be sized so that it just needs to be snapped
into place.
[0035] FIG. 8D illustrates an embodiment of a band check valve 52D
which offers a possible advantage over the embodiment of FIG. 8C
while still allowing for easier installation of the band check
valve 52D. The band check valve 52D is provided with a tab 72 which
may be fit into the unused exit hole 74. Recalling the discussion
regarding the formation of exit hole 50 above, it should be noted
that an extra or unused exit hole 74 may be formed with a single
drilling operation while making the main exit hole 50. The tab 72
on the band check valve 52D orients the band check valve 52D
without needing to change the configuration of the band valve guide
area 46 of the inlet portion 34. The tab 72 is less wide than the
band check valve 52D where it covers the exit hole 50.
[0036] FIG. 8E illustrates another embodiment of a band check valve
52E. In this embodiment, the unused exit hole 74 is enlarged by an
additional drilling process to allow for a full-width tab 76 to be
bent into the band check valve. This bend in the band check valve
52E may be snapped in to engage the extra exit hole 74.
[0037] FIG. 9 illustrates an embodiment of an inlet portion 334
with a band valve guide area 346 which defines an exit hole 350
coupled to the inlet hole 348. Embodiments of hydraulic tensioners
with this structure have been discussed above with regard to a band
check valve 352. In this case, the band check valve 352 is spring
biased so that it is trying to curl up, and will therefore exert an
inward force onto the band valve guide area 346 of the inlet
portion 334 where the exit hole 350 comes through.
[0038] It has been discovered experimentally that debris may build
up over time between the band check valve 352 and the band valve
guide area 346. This build-up of debris may cause a leakage
problem, by preventing the band check valve from sealing properly.
To alleviate this issue, one or more grooves 378 may be formed in
the band valve guide area 346 of the inlet portion 334 underneath
where the band check valve 352 makes contact. The grooves 378 may
act as places for debris to gather while also helping to create a
known and/or more reliable pop-off or release pressure of the band
check valve 352. The grooves 378 may also be used to reduce the
surface adhesion of a clean band check valve 352 so that a lighter
weight band check valve 352 may possibly be used, although it is
not necessary to use a lighter band check valve material with a
textured or grooved band valve guide area. As an alternative to
grooves 378, the band valve guide area 346 of the inlet portion 334
may be roughened, scratched, or otherwise textured to provide a
similar benefit to grooves 378. The grooved or textured surface may
also be designed as a known leak path. A known leak path can also
act to flush debris away from the backside of the band check valve
352.
[0039] Up to this point, all hydraulic tensioner embodiments have
shown band check valves which tend to curl in upon themselves. It
is also possible to have embodiments where the band check valves
tend to curl outwards. FIG. 10 illustrates this type of alternative
embodiment for a hydraulic tensioner 422. This hydraulic tensioner
includes a housing 480 which includes a pressurized oil inlet 482
which enters radially as opposed to the axial entrance in previous
embodiments. The inlet portion 434 is integral with the housing 480
in this embodiment. The housing 480 defines a chamber 484 which
slideably engages a piston 486. The piston 486 is biased away from
the housing 480 by spring 488 and the hydraulic pressure in the
chamber 484. A band valve guide area 490, such as an annular
recessed area may be formed around all or part of the circumference
of the chamber 484. A band style check valve 492 may be installed
in the band valve guide area 490, the band check valve 492 in this
case being sprung outward to seal off the inlet 482.
[0040] When the hydraulic pressure in the inlet 482 exceeds the
hydraulic pressure in the chamber 484 plus the spring force of the
band check valve 492, the band check valve 492 moves away from the
inlet 482 hole, allowing pressurized hydraulic fluid to fill the
chamber 484. As pressure in the chamber 484 increases, the band
check valve 492 returns to a sealing position where the inlet 482
hole is covered and not in fluid communication with the chamber
484. As discussed before with other embodiments, the band check
valve 492 may be greater than, equal-to, or less than 360 degrees,
and may or may not contain tabs, bends, or welds to align it within
the band valve guide area 490. The embodiment of FIG. 10 is also
illustrated with annular grooves 494, which operate similarly to
the grooves 378 discussed with regard to the hydraulic tensioner of
FIG. 9. The grooves 494 are not necessary in a hydraulic tensioner
having a band style check valve, but can be used to improve the
pop-off and sealing performance, and/or provide a known leak path,
as discussed above.
[0041] In a method of the present invention, a hydraulic tensioner
is manufactured by drilling a chamber into a housing, drilling a
hydraulic fluid inlet in an inlet portion, forming a band valve
guide area on the inlet portion, drilling an exit hole through the
band valve guide area to be in communication with the hydraulic
fluid inlet, and coupling a band check valve to the band valve
guide area such that the band check valve may cover the exit hole
and act as a check valve between the hydraulic fluid inlet and the
chamber.
[0042] Accordingly, it is to be understood that the embodiments
described herein are merely illustrative of the application of the
principles of the invention. Reference herein to details of the
illustrated embodiments is not intended to limit the scope of the
claims, which themselves recite those features regarded as
essential to the invention.
* * * * *